Launched in 1994, this compact cruiser from Catalina Yachts represents the builder's commitment to creating affordable, well-built sailboats for weekend adventurers and coastal cruisers. The 270 carries forward Catalina's reputation for producing boats that balance sailing performance with comfortable accommodations, making it an attractive option for sailors transitioning from smaller boats or those seeking a manageable cruising platform. Built with Catalina's trademark attention to practical sailing needs, the 270 features a moderate fin keel and spade rudder configuration that provides responsive handling while maintaining stability. The boat's proportions suggest it's well-suited for coastal cruising and protected water sailing, offering enough interior volume for comfortable weekend trips or extended seasonal cruising. Like other Catalina designs from this era, the 270 emphasizes user-friendly sailing characteristics over racing performance. The cockpit layout and deck hardware reflect practical considerations for shorthanded sailing, while the cabin provides essential amenities without unnecessary complexity. This approach has made Catalina boats popular among sailors who prioritize reliability and ease of maintenance over cutting-edge design features, positioning the 270 as a solid choice for recreational sailing.
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What is the Catalina 270's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Catalina 270 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 15.72. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Catalina 270's comfort ratio?
The Catalina 270 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 18.67. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Catalina 270 safe for offshore sailing?
The Catalina 270 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.13. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Catalina 270?
The theoretical hull speed of the Catalina 270 is 6.5 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Catalina 270 weigh?
The Catalina 270 has a displacement of 6,200 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 27.00 ft.
How much does a used Catalina 270 cost?
Based on 4 recent market listings, used Catalina 270 sailboats typically sell for between $29,500 and $30,000, with a median asking price of $29,500. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Catalina 270?
The Catalina 270 was designed by Frank Butler, first built in 1992.